Sri Lanka vs South Africa Fourth ODI Match Prediction – Who will win?

South Africa would look for an ODI series whitewash when they take on Sri Lanka in the fourth ODI at Pallekele on Wednesday. South Africa have already taken a 3-0 lead in the five-match ODI series and would look to finish it off with a 5-0 whitewash. Sri Lanka have nothing but pride to play for in the fourth ODI. Cricwizz takes a look at strengths, weaknesses of South Africa and Sri Lanka and the match prediction of the fourth ODI.

South Africa strengths

Power-packed batting and bowling unit

Faf du Plessis

South Africa have managed to beat Sri Lanka in the latter’s den in the ODI series and that requires skill, temperament and great talent. They are being led by one of the charismatic leaders in Faf du Plessis. South Africa batsmen in Hashim Amla, Faf, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Reeza Hendricks have all been among the runs in the series. South African bowlers such as Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi have taken 13 wickets between themselves out of total 28 Sri Lankan wickets to fall in three ODIs. They have been extremely impressive.

South Africa weaknesses

Inconsistency

South Africa can be inconsistent at times. With the last two ODIs being dead rubbers, South Africa may lose motivation to do well and can allow Sri Lanka to claw back into the series. South Africa have to be relentless in their pursuit of a 5-0 series whitewash.

Sri Lanka strengths

Batting holds the key for Sri Lanka

Angelo Mathews

The islanders have few of the best batsmen in limited-overs cricket in Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis who can be match-winners on their day. Although Sri Lankan batsmen have disappointed as a whole, they have got the runs under their belt, but it has not been enough. Hence, if the whole Sri Lanka batsmen come to party, then South African bowlers will face a hard time.

Sri Lanka weaknesses

Bowling lacks penetration

Sri Lankan bowlers have not been able to deliver at their home ground and that’s really disappointing. They likes of Akila Dhananjaya and Suranga Lakmal have not been threatening enough to rattle a strong South African batting line-up. Hence, Sri Lanka will face a tough time defending any score unless their bowlers pull up their socks and do well.

Prediction

South Africa will start favourite in the fourth ODI as well as they have been too strong for a hapless Sri Lankan outfit. Our vote goes to South Africa. It would need a miracle for Sri Lanka to avoid a whitewash.